Battery with acidified cathode and lithium anode

Abstract

A battery comprising an acidified metal oxide (“AMO”) material, preferably in monodisperse nanoparticulate form 20 nm or less in size, having a pH<7 when suspended in a 5 wt % aqueous solution and a Hammett function H0>−12, at least on its surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 507,659, filed on May 17, 2017, entitled “Battery with Acidified Cathode and Lithium Anode,” and incorporates such provisional application by reference into this disclosure as if fully set out at this point.FIELD[0002]This disclosure is in the field of materials useful in chemical energy storage and power devices such as, but not limited to, batteries. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a battery cell with a cathode and / or an anode comprising acidified metal oxide (“AMO”) nanomaterials. In some embodiments, a battery cell is constructed with an AMO cathode and an anode consisting substantially of elemental lithium.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Metal oxides are compounds in which oxygen is bonded to metal, having a general formula MmOx. They are found in nature but can be artificially synthesized. In synthetic metal oxides the method of synthesis c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes the use of acidified metal oxides (AMO) in batteries, as well as in other applications such as catalysts and sensors. The AMOs can be used in combination with acidic species to enhance their performance. The use of AMOs in batteries can result in improved capacity, cyclability, and longevity. Batteries with AMO materials and acidic electrodes can also exhibit significant improvements in performance, including increased capacity and longevity. This patent challenges conventional beliefs in battery technology and suggests that batteries with acidic electrodes or acidic species can be beneficial.

Problems solved by technology

The mechanisms by which the surface controls reactivity, however, are not always well characterized or understood.

Superacidity may, for example, degrade system components or catalyze unwanted side reactions.

The battery literature teaches that acidic groups are detrimental in batteries, where they can attack metal current collectors and housings and cause deterioration in other electrode components.

Further, the prior art teaches that an active, catalytic electrode surface leads to electrolyte decomposition which can result in gas generation within the cell and ultimately in cell failure.

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